La Scarola
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721 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60610 b/t Halsted St & Milwaukee Ave
River West, Near West Side, West Loop, West Town - Get Directions
- Phone number (312) 243-1740
- Message the business
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Business website lascarola.com
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“We started out with the grilled calamari which was really good, cooked just right.” in 162 reviews
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“The penne alla vodka is simple but delicious, but the Gamberi Risotto is my favorite...” in 24 reviews
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“We've also tried the chicken vesuvio (another garlicky dish), and it was excellent!” in 39 reviews
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4.4 Miles away from La Scarola
Welcome to the home of mouthwatering pizza, low & slow smoked BBQ, and over 20 beers on tap! We pride ourselves on providing a classic Chicago… read more
Recommended Reviews
- Yelp Sort Selected
- Date
- Rating
- Elites
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- Katie 2.
- San Francisco, CA
- 166 friends
- 24 reviews
8/10/2015
This place was FANTASTIC!
Total family feel, 100% authentic, and you can tell this place has been around for a while. We ordered the specials of the day: Grilled Calamari and the seafood risotto; they were delicious.
Not only was the food extraordinary, but the service and portions were as well!!
Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area and looking for some nice home cooked Italian food :) -
- Betty P.
- South Bend, IN
- 3 friends
- 55 reviews
8/9/2015
Authentic and fantastic! The service, the food and the price was all worth the effort of crazy driving, and hard to find parking. Next time I'll use the $7 valet I think. We arrived at this packed little restaurant that reminded me of an Italian restaurant in a hollywood movie. Some place where half the guests are well known by the staff.
I went with my brother and a few of his friends. My brother got lasagna, I gotta fettuccine with a garlic sauce and chicken. His friends got a seafood special, spaghetti and meatballs and a gnocchi dish. Oh and we had a couple of appetizers, muscles and a shrimp thing over mashed potatoes. Who knew mashed potatoes could be an appetizer or be such a good appetizer? Everyone enjoyed their meals and even though I was I really like mine I was jealous of the gnocchi. I gave it a taste and wished I'd ordered it instead. LOL
I was the only one who saved room for dessert (brought about half my plate back for hubby dear who missed out on the amazingness). I ordered cannoli and got a couple people at the table to try it out.
I'll be back and will bring along hubby next time. -
7/19/2015
1 check-inSmall (kinda cramped) hole in the wall in Chicago that has AMAZING Italian food. We started with grilled and fried calamari. Both major delicious. I ordered the chilean sea bass (from the specials) and wow, this was soon good. If it is on the special list when you go I recommend getting this. I tried a friend's chicken parm (not on the menu, you have to ask for it) and it was incredible as well. Service was above par (from making reservations to the servers)
Be warned though: this place is a little cramped and it is LOUD. I had a hard time hearing what the people around me were saying. I had gone in with a splitting headache and this unfortunately didn't help. -
- Danielle S.
- Chicago, IL
- 44 friends
- 52 reviews
- Elite ’15
7/28/2015 Updated review
I've been going here for three years now and it never disappoints! The food is amazing every time! Please go, order anything, and I guarantee you will return.
I have been here twice and will return many many more times!! I come from an Italian family and… I have been here twice and will return many many more times!! I come from an Italian family and recently took my parents here and they were beyond excited about returning the next time they visit Chicago. Good food and GREAT service.8/20/2012 Previous review
For an appetizer we shared the fried zucchini, outstanding, a light batter on the zucchini (how it should be, most times I order this at other restaurants it is drenched in batter and you cannot even taste the zucchini) I have also had the "grilled" calamari here, amazing...highly recommended!
For dinner I had the Penne Sinatra - Penne pasta, mushrooms, shrimp, scallops and muscles. The shrimp and scallops were good size and I took more than half of my meal home. My father had the Salmon - Very good and huge portion. And, my mother had the Primavera. I tried this as well and it was wonderful.
I have also enjoyed the meat lasagna on another occasion and loved it!
So, with little said you must go here! Good Italian food and outstanding service! Family approved, and lastly, the chef stopped by our table when we were finished and asked how our meal was and shook our hands. I was very impressed and delighted to see so much kindness! :) Read more -
7/4/2015
1 check-inI went after I'd been eating all day, so I got a few plates to share with a friend, and our bill was modest. We left over 20% tip, or tried to, but they helped themselves to 10 TIMES the tip I tried to leave. I mean I guess it's possible it was a typo, but I've never had that happen in years of charging my meals, nor have I ever heard of it happening. The "tip" was more than twice the cost of my meal. And believe me, the service was not that good, and I did not intentionally leave such a tip. Booooo.
As for the food, the lasagna in particular, it was so salty it made my mouth burn. And I'm not especially sensitive to that, I can't think of another time I've ever had that thought about restaurant food. If I want that experience again I'll just go gargle some sea water and save myself the scamming.
A few co-workers recommended it so I tried it for dinner when a friend visited and wanted to do Chicago stuff. Fail. -
7/20/2015
Don't believe the hype. I have been here a couple of times in the past--a friend of mine and I split a $250 gift card at a charity auction. Dinner for 4 (to my surprise, we went over). It is my understanding that in the restaurant business, there is a concept called "Chicago Style". This means pretty decent food, and PLENTY OF IT--that is what they offer here. The place is a real dump--some may mistake this for charming, but it is not. Lowest end of chairs, tableware, etc. Staff is a super professional operation, really hustling in this totally packed dungeon We were almost seated in the kitchen.Loaded with tourists with bags from American Girl and Macy's due to the location. There are SO MANY OPTIONS for this kind of food at this price, why come here?
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4/19/2015
1 check-inListed in Chicago's West Loop, That's Amore!As soon as we walked in, I noticed that the restaurant smelled like a musty basement. Even though La Scarola isn't intended to be a classy, sophisticated establishment, it's still selling edible goods, and the smell was a huge turn off.
The restaurant is teeny tiny, emphasized by the tables crammed together or angled into odd corners. White paper covers the tables, but the banquet chairs are hideous. All of this could have been overlooked IF La Scarola served great food.
A lot of reviews noted the bread wasn't fresh from the oven. We had the same experience. Although, bread is bread in some cases, and we enjoyed dipping it in the olive oil and parmesan cheese on the table.
The wine list is simple, so I had a Pinot Grigio.
The menu is huge, and all of the dishes delivered to our table looked incredible. I tried some of Dominic P's pasta with spicy marinara. It was really tasty and a good, simple dish. My parents were happy with their ravioli and lasagna as well.
I had the vodka pasta with shrimp and asparagus. The shrimp were plump and plenty, but the sauce was terrible. It was creamy, but flavorless. I didn't eat much of my entree, took the leftovers to go, but ended up tossing the rest.
Perhaps I just ordered the "wrong thing," but considering that I ordered the most expensive entree in our group and didn't like it isn't a good thing.
Service is crap. The servers were all bustling around, and didn't even move out of our way when we tried to go to the bathroom. There is no attentiveness. The bathroom was pathetic and in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint.
Hey, at least we found free street parking. Give it a shot before you pay for valet.
My personal experience was more like 2-stars, but since the rest of my party gobbled up their food, I guess I'll bump it to a 3. But with so many Italian restaurants in Chicago and the suburbs, there's no reason to come back - or come at all. -
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- Molly A.
- Chicago, IL
- 39 friends
- 23 reviews
4/15/2015
1 check-inSo many great things to say about La Scarola. The food is absolutely amazing. Tastes like it is coming right out of grandmas kitchen. The wait staff is so helpful and friendly.
We had an 8 pm reservation, when we got there the place was packed. They nicely told us it would be a few minutes and if we minded waiting at the bar. Of course we did not so we headed to the bar and got a glass of wine. The wait was longer than expected, but the owner was very persistent about letting us know it would be just a little bit longer until we sat down. They had glasses of wine for $7 which is just about impossible to find these days in Chicago, I was a fan.
We ordered the grilled octopus to start which was divine. We got the big rigatoni special and the spaghetti and meatballs to share. Both were amazing. I will absolutely be returning to La Scarola -
- Laura R.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 10 reviews
7/13/2015
What is happening to La Scarola?
Closed for lunches?
So dissapointed. I have to say the last 2 times we order take out the sauce on the entrees was watery, and tasteless. This has been one of my old time favorite restaurants but ls been dissaponting this past year. The inside of the restaurant is looking run down and dirty to be honest with you, it makes you not want to go in at all.
I have to beg my friends to go there now. I miss you La Scarola... sight.
Needs remodeling ASAP.
Need new energetic happy staff (New!! All new.) needs the owner in the kitchen like he used to be. He has the magic touch.
Needs some tlc and food consistency. Please. I want to go back...! -
- Plamena G.
- Chicago, IL
- 48 friends
- 62 reviews
- Elite ’15
12/3/2014
2 check-insI came here with a group of nine for a friend's farewell dinner on a Saturday. The restaurant gets very packed on the weekend, but they did a good job accommodating such a big party.
All of the dishes were very generous portions and everyone seemed to enjoy what they ordered. I got the Eggplant Parmigiana. It was pretty good - nothing exceptional. The eggplant was cooked all the way through and there was a good amount of cheese on top. My husband, on the other hand, got the Veal Mondelli. It was sooo delicious, I contemplated stealing his dish. The veal was pounded into thin medallions, sautéed with mushrooms and zucchini. It also came with a side of pasta. He was able to get the angle hair pasta as a side, and it went really well with the dish. I think I ate about half of his dinner. I'll be going back just to get that dish for myself. It was very delicious! -
- Ron M.
- Holland, MI
- 63 friends
- 16 reviews
7/1/2015
Was here 10 years ago on our honeymoon and came back recently for our 10 year anniversary. Still fantastic! Talked with Joey the owner who always seems to be there looking it over. He did a shot with us and all was perfect.
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- Becky A.
- Chicago, IL
- 1 friend
- 8 reviews
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- Nadine N.
- Venice, FL
- 0 friends
- 15 reviews
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- Suzanne Z.
- La Grange, IL
- 169 friends
- 534 reviews
- Elite ’15
8/19/2014
1 check-inAs far as Italian food goes, I can't say I have had much that was better than La Scarola. The walk in to the restaurant is a little intimidating- packed with people, cramped space, and you feel like everyone is looking at you as you walk by.
We had an 8pm reservation, and they had the appropriate sized table ready for us when we got there. We loved looking at all the pictures on the wall of famous, and not famous people who came to the restaurant. There was such a sense of pride in their restaurant. It definitely gave off that Italian family, old school vibe.
Waters arrived quickly, as did someone to take drink orders. Beer selection is limited, but there was a nice wine selection.
Large baskets of crusty Italian bread then arrived, which was good, but not hot out of the oven like I've experienced elsewhere. For apps, we tried the mussels, grilled and fried calamari, and the shrimp armani. I'd never had mussels before, and they were good, nothing I would think to order again, but my table deemed them the best mussels they'd ever had. The shrimp armani was so fantastic- huge shrimp over delectable mashed potatoes in a red sauce... mmmmmmm.... and the fried calamari was the best I'd ever had too! I did not try the grilled-- looked "too real" for me. My table said it was good, albeit a little too chewy.
For the main course, I stuck with bowtie pasta with meatballs. A giant portion was given with 3 garlicky, perfect meatballs. It totaled up to 3 meals over a few days for me! Everyone else loved their dinners too, and everyone left with extras. Prices were very reasonable for what you got.
The owner took time to speak to everyone there. He seemed to have some favorites who were given free shots, but alas, that was not us.
Overall, it was a truly different but amazing Italian dining experience. I would go back in a heartbeat. On the way out, I realized that even though it is cramped, everyone was focused on their fantastic food and could care less at who was walking by! Thanks for a great night!! -
- Jocelyne P.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 2 reviews
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- Tara F.
- Chicago, IL
- 1 friend
- 31 reviews
5/12/2015
Service was friendly, food was not as good as it used to be 5+ years ago. Spaghetti with meatballs was not good; tasted strange and had some kind of herb or spice that did not belong in the sauce or meatballs. Clam linguini was a tad salty and clam were chewy. Very mediocre Italian food. Bread was hard and dry; we got the old ends.
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Dry spaghetti and not so good meatballs. Did not taste right.Dry spaghetti and not so good meatballs. Did not taste right.
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11/24/2014
1 check-inGreat family style Italian restaurant in my neighborhood that helps avoid the tourist attraction chaos.
I had the gnocchi primavera and it is a rich but delicious dish that you have to try!!
I also had a nibble or two of the grilled calamari and octopus which were fresh and cooked to perfection.
Don't miss out on this traditional gem if you're craving real authentic Italian food with the ambiance of family and friends built right in! -
- Eric R.
- San Francisco, CA
- 1 friend
- 38 reviews
7/3/2015
So maybe I hit them on an off night, but I grew up in NY eating Italian food and this was just not that good. Had and anitpasto appetizer as well as sausages and peppers both were unexceptional; the sausage and peppers were particularly underwhelming. Not bad, just not that good, I could have done better at home. For entrees, my Chicken Angelo had a listless marsala sauce that just lacked any sort of flavor. My date had the Capelini Fra Diavolo, also listless, lacking any punch. The portions were big, but that was sort of besides the point, given the food was not that great. Dinner was capped by a cannoli that made me regret blowing the calories. So I could see one dish being a miss, but this was pretty consistent across the board; I won't be back.
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- Virtie P.
- Surprise, AZ
- 31 friends
- 17 reviews
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- Elizabeth S.
- Bloomington, IN
- 15 friends
- 13 reviews
4/18/2015
We had a 7:30 reservation and ended up waiting 45 minutes for our table to be ready. Luckily it was a beautiful night and we weren't in a rush. However, there was little apology on their end about the long wait. The server was also trying to rush us out of our table, which considering how long it took us to get one is a bit absurd.
In terms of the food. My boyfriend had the steak and he said it was good, but a little overdone. I and the Salmon Mondellini and it was very good but didn't have enough risotto in my opinion. The wine selection was fantastic. We had 3 bottles and they were great and reasonably priced.
The ambiance was crowded and vey loud. Not a good spot for wanting to actually have a conversation. The food was definitely good but I recommend Mia Francesa over La Scarola any day of the week. And they never responded to my email confirming my reservation time. -
- Chrystine Marie M.
- Round Lake, IL
- 46 friends
- 8 reviews
5/18/2015
Definitely make reservations. Came here last year in November with my boyfriend for his birthday. Large food portions. Lively, loud atmosphere; it was almost completely packed when we went. The place is covered in photos and memorabilia of famous people, etc. The bar was pretty cool. The specials are handwritten on a paper that's inserted into their laminated menu and I thought that was awesome. Makes the experience feel personal.
We ordered the Chicken Vesuvio, Pasta Primavera, and fried zucchini for appetizer. Pretty good. Again, LARGE PORTIONS!!! We had the leftovers for breakfast the day after and it was still good. Great service. Will definitely come back another time when it's not so busy. Wish I could find pictures of the food that I took then. -
- Frank S.
- Las Vegas, NV
- 47 friends
- 34 reviews
11/3/2014
1 check-inYep! It's tasty and filling. It's the type of place where you eat half your plate, take the other half home, and then immediately undo your belt buckle to free up some space for your gut.
This is just like the restaurants my family went to when I was a small boy. Now I'm a big boy, and I eat at these places on business trips. Hee-hee!!
I love that every Italian in history has his or her face plastered on the walls. I think it's dumb that there are no Italian-Americans working here. I guess if they only hired Italian looking people that would be a discriminatory practice. The ACLU would be all over this place. Oh well. Maybe if the waiters sang O' Sole Mio I wouldn't notice they're not cugini.
Keep it real, Scarola. Scarola is escarole. So, that's pretty Italian. Nice work! -
4/19/2015
1 check-inGood food, second class everything else.
Came here on Friday after work with a friend. I called ahead and made a 7:30 reservation, but at 7:30 when my friend showed they said there was a wait and to go next door and they would text us. An hour later they still hadn't texted and I walked back over. The host said he told my friend we should have returned in 10 minutes because our table had been and was now ready. I got seated and texted my friend and he came by, and confronted the host about the fact he said he would text us when our table was ready. The host said he knew but he had lost my number. Great so he lied, ARGH. Whatever, dude sent over free shots of tequila (2 for each of us during the course of the evening.) We were seated in front of a table of rowdy, drunk guys who proceeded to cheer every time they downed the multiple shots they were doing. I can't believe they did not get kicked out. The restaurant was loud anyway and with the dudes it was practically impossible to have a conversation. By the time our food came I pretty much just wanted to eat and leave. We had grilled octopus, a house salad, free bread, and rigatoni with vodka sauce. It had shrimp and asparagus and between me and my date we shared it and didn't finish it. Huge portion. Really great food. It is unfortunate they don't value their guests enough to cultivate a civilized dining atmosphere. This is a hole in the wall that truly lives up to the name and I don't think I will be back. -
- Sig T.
- Chicago, IL
- 2 friends
- 5 reviews
4/12/2015
Loved this neighborhood gem. We walked in without reservations and were greeted by a "let's get down to business" host. Without the luxury of a reservation (call in only, no new age OpenTable voodoo) we were outcasted to a 2-seater by the bar and next to the Men's john. Who's ready to eat?!
We enjoyed a generous pour of wine and a loaf of bread and olive oil as we settled in. The waitstaff reminded me of Erie Cafe and Gene and Georgetti- you are here, you are family, nothing fancy, let's get to it.
The pollo ponzio and pollo Italiano were both tasty. The chocolate cake (if you have room) was good not great. Small slice but that just means we wanted more so how much can I complain?
If you desire to continue your night, head next door to Richards (it's the bar your grandfather frequented during his navy days) or walk across the street to The Dawson for a more contemporary scene. Otherwise, walk off the carbs, head east to take in the skyline at night and enjoy another perfect Chicago spring evening. -
10/26/2014
1 check-inListed in Chicago FTW!Step one: Go here.
Step two: Order the pasta with Vodka sauce.
Step three: Prepare for a very authentic, very delicious meal, that makes you feel not only like a local, but like a member of a specialized enclave of Chicago.
Because I was the lone lady with five guys our server kept calling me Queen, which of course, I loved. I had a cocktail to start and then we had a bottle of wine between us, nothing special, just an Italian table wine but it was perfect. We also shared a three desserts between us, which were all delicious, but if you just have to pick one, I'd say cannoli or spumoni.
The decor, at least where we were sitting was sort of a cross between neighborhood restaurant (pictures of customers from over the years) and teenage boys' room (boob posters, a transformer head which was super cool and actually from the movie), etc. Just a total, wonderful trip. -
- Mark S.
- Chicago, IL
- 2 friends
- 114 reviews
3/28/2015
La Scarola has a ton of old world charm and delicious Italian food. The menu has a large variety of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, pastas and desserts. There was also a nice list of specials on a separate piece of paper. We started with the sausage and peppers appetizer ($7.95). I had the Linguine and Clams in a red sauce ($20.95) and my wife had the Veal Marsala ($24.95). Everything was really great and the portions were plenty for lunch the next day. We will definitely be back very soon. I think it would be a nice place to bring out of town guests.
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- Mihir P.
- Chicago, IL
- 464 friends
- 1157 reviews
3/6/2015
I'm sure there was some mafia activity here based on the old school decor along with some sports and celebrity photos on the wall.
The service was very professional and accommodating.
The Food:
Garlic Spinach: I recommend!
Calamari: crunchy, sweet and tender.
Sausage and Peppers: sausages were pretty standard as you'd get elsewhere but I did like the scorched green peppers.
Veal Parmesan: Disappointing. Soggy with way too much cheese.
The menu has a lot of tempting choices so I'd go back to try another entree. -
- Fred M.
- Grayslake, IL
- 3 friends
- 50 reviews
4/30/2015
I was here recently with some friends before heading to the UC for a Hawks game. I love this place! I've been here numerous times through the years and it never disappoints.
If you've never been here, be warned: it is busy, cramped, and loud. All three add to the experience ... in a good way.
On this most recent visit I ordered the Chicken Vesuvio. It was delicious! My only complaint (and this is nit-picky) - the plate was too small for the portion I received. My chicken was piled-up on top of potatoes making it difficult to cut without food falling off my plate.
Service was impeccable. As always.
La Scarola provides great food, great service, and a great atmosphere! -
- Anthony T.
- River West, Chicago, IL
- 8 friends
- 2 reviews
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- Chris E.
- Chicago, IL
- 3 friends
- 3 reviews
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- Eric E.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 10 reviews
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- Matt W.
- Chicago, IL
- 2 friends
- 7 reviews
4/14/2015
I went to La Scarola with my family - brothers, wives, gfs etc - after seeing a movie. We all had a great experience. Food was great - larger portions that I expected, but they prepared well the following day or so for lunch. The restaurant has a warm and lively atmosphere. They had kitchy wall art, but came off genuine instead of contrived.
Will go again -
- Caroline A.
- Chicago, IL
- 38 friends
- 49 reviews
- Elite ’15
9/30/2014
1 check-inListed in ItalianYep, I'm giving you 4 stars even though we had a 45 minute wait for our reserved table. La Scarola is an itty bitty place packed to the brim with tables. We were a group of 10 awkwardly waiting in the way of all the hustle and bustle. The manager felt so bad he brought us rounds of whiskey and lemon drop shots. When we finally sat down, they offered us three free appetizers to make up for the mess of a dinner reservation. We had the bruschetta, fried zucchini and grilled calamari. I'd read such great things on here about the calamari, I was quite disappointed when ours was overcooked (this is where I deducted the fifth star). After delicious bread and appetizers our main dishes came out right away. The pasta dishes are huge. I can't imagine a grown man finishing a whole plate. They had a wide range of pricing-something for everyone. I was able to get 3 more meals out of my leftovers so you definitely get your money's worth. I really enjoyed how my Macaroni Arrabiata was the perfect amount of spicey.
All in all, the service was great and the food was delicious. I'll be back! -
- Joanne N.
- Chicago, IL
- 3 friends
- 44 reviews
2/14/2015
I've been here before and we thought the food was pretty great. we decided to go this year on valentines day, so I made a reservation about a month ago.
Called today and they said they didn't have my reservation but to just come in and they'd seat me. After hanging up I realized that if they're gonna just seat me, I would really feel more comfortable with a res. called them back and explained, the guy did not understand so gave the phone to someone else without updating this new guy, so I had to explain myself a second time. This guy tells me he won't make a reservation for me but I can call back in 2 hrs and try w the manager. Sorry but that's terrible customer service. They made the mistake and now are asking me to chase them around. No thanks. Won't be eating there tonight or ever again. Food isn't good enough to put up with this- you're not schwa. -
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- Cee S.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 7 reviews
3/16/2015
The fried calamari wasn't my favorite, but the Penne alla Vodka was phenomenal. Who would have thought of throwing asparagus in there? Dee-lish.
Definitely not over the top (which I love). Straight-to-the-business staff. They are not there to impress, but to do their job, which is to be attentive, and ensuring you leave happy and ridiculously full (with leftovers in hand). Charmy; feels like your Gram-Gram is going to pop out of the back kitchen and force-feed you spoonfuls of fattening risotto. Miss you Gram-Gram, but La Scarola will have to do.
Still craving the "homey establishment" vibe post-La Scarola? Walk two steps down to Richard's for a cheap beer and great company. These two make for a perfect night. -
- Justin R.
- Branson, MO
- 0 friends
- 15 reviews
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- Sam T.
- Chicago, IL
- 2 friends
- 17 reviews
4/12/2015
1 check-inEverything was great! We started with the fried zucchini and broccoli salad. The salad was great! We got the vodka penne, linguini and clams, and meat lasagna. All of them were delicious! We ended dinner with tiramisu and a cannoli. They even put a candle in the dessert since it was for a birthday. The service was pretty good and we would def all go back again. Not to mention, huge portions!
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- Patrick M.
- Chicago, IL
- 9 friends
- 106 reviews
- Elite ’15
9/7/2014
1 check-inWent to La Scarola last night and it was quite possibly the best meal I've ever had at a restaurant in Chicago.
We had a 9pm reservation and had to wait a few minutes after we arrived.
It was well worth the wait as we were told by people that were leaving while we were waiting.
Started off with the Shrimp Armani. The shrimp were big and the potatoes were fucking delicious.
Had the Grilled Calamari appetizer next. The size of the dish was perfect for sharing and it was also very very good.
For our entrees I had the Linguini and Clams with white sauce and she had the Sea Bass special. Both dishes were absolutely delicious. I'm not even going to bother describing them. Wouldn't do any justice.
Finished with a tasty Canolli for dessert.
Can't wait to go back and try more things on the menu.
My new favorite spot in Chicago.
5 big stars for La Scarola.
Hours
| Mon | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | |
| Wed | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | |
| Thu | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | Open now |
| Fri | 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm | |
| Sat | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | |
| Sun | 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Menu
- Calamari
- 8.95
- Tiramisu
- 6.50
- Chicken Vesuvio
- 15.95
More business info
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- Takes Reservations
- Yes
- Delivery
- No
- Take-out
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Yes
- Good For
- Dinner
- Parking
- Street
- Bike Parking
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Yes
- Good for Kids
- No
- Good for Groups
- Yes
- Attire
- Casual
- Ambience
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Loud
- Alcohol
- Full Bar
- Outdoor Seating
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Has TV
- No
- Waiter Service
- Yes
- Caters
- Yes
From the business
Specials Grilled Calamari . . . . . $9.95 Grilled Octopus . . . . . $9.95 Mussels in Red or White Sauce . . . . . $9.95 Sautéed Rapini . . . . . $7.95 Escarole & Sausage . . . . . $8.95 …
Learn more about La Scarola , Opens a popupSpecialties
Specials
Grilled Calamari . . . . . $9.95
Grilled Octopus . . . . . $9.95
Mussels in Red or White Sauce . . . . . $9.95
Sautéed Rapini . . . . . $7.95
Escarole & Sausage . . . . . $8.95
Fried Zucchini . . . . . $7.50
Italian String Beans . . . . . $7.50
History
Established in 1997.
Chicago is a mecca for outstanding Italian dining, with more than its fair share of solid family eateries providing pasta, veal and caprese salads. La Scarola, while a relative newcomer, has the lineage of one of Chicago's best restaurant families--the Mondellis, whose much-loved Kelly Mondelli's was for years a fixture on North Clark Street. Many of the Mondelli favorites are back at La Scarola, including the eggplant parmigiana, the veal and some knockout peppers and sausage. The restaurant has an open kitchen and just a few tables in a small space, restored right down to the fireplace against the east wall. Seating is tight, but the rooms is warm and mellow enough that conversations and clanging pots and pans don't drown out the Billie Holiday and Louis Prima being played on the house sound system.
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